Thursday, May 29, 2014

The Cleveland Cavaliers stunned the basketball world with a shocking victory during the NBA draft lottery. It will be the third time in four years where they will have the first overall pick in the draft. And their first line of work will be conducted in the following weeks when they visit the highly-touted and injury-riddled center Joel Embiid to conduct a physical, according to ESPN.comEmbiid sat out the last six games of Kansas' season due to a stress fracture in his back, missing the Big 12 and NCAA tournaments. Although there is a lot speculation regarding his health, Embiid's draft stock has climbed since the lottery which was held on May 20th. And to make things better for the Cavaliers, the seven-foot phenom from Cameroon has agreed not to visit or talk to any other teams until Cleveland has completed their entire evaluation on him.

Embiid has been compared to former Rockets MVP Hakeem Olajuwon. The seven-footer from Nigeria was selected first overall in the 1984 NBA draft and led Houston to two NBA titles. Embiid carries many of Olajuwon's traits, including his strong defensive skills and shot blocking ability. More importantly, Embiid has a mean streak, and that's something that cannot be taught.There are three potential franchise changing players in this year's draft - Andrew Wiggins, Jabari Parker and Embiid. Wiggins has been regarded to have the highest ceiling but you his talents are raw. Embiid may be the safest pick, but you can't teach seven feet. And if he can be as good as Olajuwon, Cleveland will have a cornerstone player that will make them a championship caliber team for the next decade.The Cavaliers will have a big decision to make in the upcoming draft, which is scheduled for June 26th. After a disappointing season from last year's first overall pick Anthony Bennett - which many people declared a reach and potential boost. The Cavaliers aren't likely to make a mistake this time around.

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